Luke 23 9

Luke 23:9 kjv

Then he questioned with him in many words; but he answered him nothing.

Luke 23:9 nkjv

Then he questioned Him with many words, but He answered him nothing.

Luke 23:9 niv

He plied him with many questions, but Jesus gave him no answer.

Luke 23:9 esv

So he questioned him at some length, but he made no answer.

Luke 23:9 nlt

He asked Jesus question after question, but Jesus refused to answer.

Luke 23 verses

Luke 23 9 Meaning

Luke 23:9 describes an encounter during Jesus' trial where Herod Antipas interrogated Him extensively with numerous questions, yet Jesus chose not to respond to any of them. This demonstrates Jesus' divine wisdom and silent dignity in the face of worldly curiosity and the refusal to entertain superficial demands for miraculous signs, simultaneously fulfilling prophetic Scripture.

Luke 23 9 Context

Luke 23:9 is situated within the narrative of Jesus' passion, specifically during His second appearance before Pontius Pilate. Pilate, upon discovering that Jesus was a Galilean, decided to send Him to Herod Antipas, the tetrarch of Galilee, who was also in Jerusalem for the Passover feast. Herod had long desired to see Jesus, hoping to witness a miracle. This encounter with Herod follows Jesus' trial before Caiaphas and the Sanhedrin, and His initial appearance before Pilate. It highlights the escalating rejection of Jesus by earthly authorities and serves as another demonstration of the injustice of His trial. Herod's curiosity, contrasting with Jesus' dignified silence, underscores the superficiality of worldly power confronted by divine truth.

Luke 23 9 Word analysis

• And he questioned with him:
  • Greek: καὶ ἐπηρώτα αὐτὸν (kai epērōta auton)
  • ἐπηρώτα (epērōta): From the verb eperotao (ἐπερωτάω), an imperfect verb, signifying a continuous, repeated, or prolonged questioning. It means to inquire repeatedly, to interrogate thoroughly, or to cross-examine. This indicates that Herod did not just ask a single question but pressed Jesus with many inquiries over a period.
  • αὐτὸν (auton): Refers to Jesus. The subject of eperotao is Herod. Herod initiated and maintained the interrogation.
• in many words;
  • Greek: ἐν λόγοις ἱκανοῖς (en logois hikanois)
  • λόγοις (logois): Plural of logos (λόγος), meaning "words," "statements," "utterances," or "speeches." Here it emphasizes the volume and perhaps the variety of Herod's questions.
  • ἱκανοῖς (hikanois): Dative plural of hikanos (ἱκανός), meaning "sufficient," "ample," "enough," or "considerable." In this context, it translates to "with many words" or "at great length," stressing the extensive nature of Herod's verbal engagement. Herod expended much effort in his questioning, perhaps seeking entertainment, information, or even a prophecy from Jesus.
• but he answered him nothing.
  • Greek: οὐδὲν ἀπεκρίνατο (ouden apekrinato)
  • οὐδὲν (ouden): "Nothing," or "not a thing." This is a strong negative, emphasizing the complete absence of a reply.
  • ἀπεκρίνατο (apekrinato): Aorist middle form of apokrinomai (ἀποκρίνομαι), "to answer" or "to respond." The aorist tense denotes a single, definite act of non-answering – a resolute and final silence. Jesus' decision was not an inability to speak, but a choice not to. This is profound, as Jesus had spoken eloquently and authoritatively throughout His ministry, but now He chose silence.

• "He questioned with Him in many words; but He answered Him nothing."
  • This phrase creates a powerful literary contrast. Herod, representing worldly power and superficial curiosity, is characterized by abundant speech ("many words"). Jesus, representing divine wisdom and quiet majesty, responds with absolute silence. This dynamic highlights the futility of human questioning when the divine chooses not to engage with shallow motives.
  • Jesus' silence here is not a sign of weakness or inability but a deliberate, sovereign act. It is a refusal to validate Herod's superficial inquiry, born out of a desire for signs and spectacle (Luke 23:8) rather than truth or justice. It communicates judgment and dismissal. This scene acts as a fulfillment of prophecy (Isa 53:7) and demonstrates Jesus' unwavering resolve to follow God's redemptive plan without diversion or defense.

Luke 23 9 Bonus section

Jesus' silence before Herod can be interpreted as an implied judgment upon Herod himself. Herod had previously silenced the true prophet John the Baptist by imprisoning and beheading him. Now, faced with the Christ, who represents the culmination of all prophecy, Herod is met with silent dismissal. This serves as a divine rejection of a ruler who preferred sensationalism and political maneuvering over repentance and truth. It underscores the biblical principle that genuine wisdom often dictates when to speak and when to remain silent, especially when faced with those whose hearts are hardened or motives are impure. The powerful man expected a performance, but received none, demonstrating that Christ's power is not for human amusement.

Luke 23 9 Commentary

Luke 23:9 provides a pivotal moment in Jesus' trial, showcasing His serene authority and wisdom in stark contrast to Herod Antipas's trivial curiosity. Herod, fascinated by tales of Jesus and hoping for a miracle for entertainment, bombarded Him with numerous questions. Yet, Jesus, who had readily taught thousands and debated vigorously with religious leaders, maintained an absolute and profound silence. This silence was not a surrender or an act of defeat; rather, it was a deliberate and powerful response. It signified a refusal to dignify Herod's superficial desire for a sign with any explanation or performance. Jesus recognized the nature of Herod's heart—a heart seeking sensation, not salvation—and wisely withheld His words. This regal silence also fulfilled Old Testament prophecies foretelling the Messiah's meekness under suffering and His unwillingness to defend Himself before His oppressors, thereby establishing His unparalleled submission to God's will. It speaks volumes more than any defense could, declaring the futility of worldly power and entertainment-seeking in the face of divine truth.